Amarillo, Texas, is a cornerstone of Route 66, the legendary "Mother Road" that embodies the spirit of American road trips. As the largest city on the 178-mile Texas stretch of Route 66, Amarillo blends nostalgic charm with modern vibrancy, offering travelers a rich tapestry of historic sites, cultural festivals, and iconic attractions. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about experiencing Route 66 in Amarillo, from the historic 6th Street district to road trip itineraries and dining hotspots, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
Amarillo Route 66: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to the Mother Road
The Heart of Route 66: Amarillo’s Historic District
The Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District, located along Sixth Avenue between Georgia and Forrest Avenues, is the epicenter of Amarillo’s Route 66 legacy. Spanning 13 blocks, this National Register-listed district showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the Mother Road. Originally a streetcar suburb in the early 20th century, it evolved into a bustling commercial hub with the rise of Route 66 in the 1920s. Today, it’s a vibrant destination filled with locally owned businesses, vintage architecture, and a lively community spirit.
Exploring the 6th Street District
Visitors can stroll through the district to discover a mix of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and eateries housed in buildings adorned with Spanish Revival, Art Deco, and Art Moderne designs. The district comes alive with events like the First Thursday Art Walk, where shops extend hours, artists display their work, and live music fills the air. The Amarillo Route 66 Store, located within the district, offers memorabilia like vintage signs, T-shirts, and postcards, perfect for capturing the Route 66 spirit.
Top Shops to Visit
- Lile Art Gallery: A must-visit for its unique “Cadilite Sterling Silver” jewelry, crafted from paint chips of the Cadillac Ranch Cadillacs, alongside local art and owner Mr. Lile’s storytelling.
- Alley Katz Antiques and 6th Street Antique Mall: Home to over 100 vendors, these sprawling stores offer vintage treasures, from Route 66 memorabilia to mid-century furniture.
- Texas Ivy: A boutique featuring handmade soaps, clothing, and Texas-themed gifts, ideal for souvenirs.
Amarillo Route 66 Festival: A Celebration of Heritage
The Texas Route 66 Festival, held annually in June, is a highlight for Route 66 enthusiasts. Scheduled for June 5–14, 2025, this 10-day event celebrates the road’s cultural significance as it approaches its centennial in 2026. Hosted across Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, the festival culminates in a grand finale on the Historic 6th Street District, drawing thousands of visitors for a mix of nostalgia, entertainment, and community pride.
What to Expect at the Festival
The festival offers a diverse lineup of events, blending Texas traditions with Route 66’s retro vibe. Key highlights include:
- Coors Ranch Rodeo (June 5–8): Held at the Amarillo National Center, this event showcases authentic ranch-style competitions, from roping to branding.
- Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive & Parade: A downtown parade featuring cowboys, longhorns, and vintage vehicles, celebrating Amarillo’s Western roots.
- Lowrider Cruise on Old Route 66: A free event where colorful lowrider cars parade through the Historic District, accompanied by music and festivities.
- Route 66 Festival Finale (June 14): A block party on 6th Avenue with classic car shows, live music, food trucks, and local artisans.
Planning Tips
Families will enjoy kid-friendly activities like petting zoos at Wolflin Square and interactive games, while adults can partake in karaoke nights at Old Tascosa Brewery or craft beer tastings. Visit Visit Amarillo for the full schedule and parking details. With 2026 marking Route 66’s 100th anniversary, the 2025 festival is a prelude to an even larger celebration, making it a prime time to visit.
Iconic Amarillo Route 66 Attractions
Amarillo is home to some of Route 66’s most iconic landmarks, alongside hidden gems that capture the road’s adventurous spirit. Here’s a rundown of must-see attractions for every traveler.
Cadillac Ranch: A Route 66 Legend
Located just west of Amarillo off I-40 at the Arnot Road exit, Cadillac Ranch is a globally recognized art installation featuring 10 vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in a field. Created in 1974 by the Ant Farm art collective and funded by eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh 3, this interactive site invites visitors to spray-paint the cars, creating a colorful, ever-changing canvas. Open 24/7 and free to visit, it’s a bucket-list stop for Route 66 travelers and photographers.
Visitor Tips for Cadillac Ranch
Bring your own spray paint (available at local stores like Walmart) and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, as the site can be wet after rain. Parking is available along the service road, and a short walk leads to the installation. Respect the private property by staying within the designated area and taking all trash with you.
Other Must-Visit Attractions
- VW Slug Bug Ranch: Located in Conway, 15 miles east of Amarillo, this quirky site features five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-down, mimicking Cadillac Ranch. It’s a fun, lesser-known stop for photos and spray-painting.
- Jack Sisemore Traveland and RV Museum: At 4341 Canyon Dr., this free museum displays restored RVs from the 1930s to the 1970s, offering a nostalgic look at road trip culture.
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: Located at 2601 East I-40, this museum celebrates the history of the American Quarter Horse with exhibits, artifacts, and Western art.
- Dynamite Museum: A collection of whimsical, absurd street signs scattered around Amarillo, particularly near 6th Street, created by Stanley Marsh 3 to spark curiosity.
- Texas Route 66 Visitor Center: Housed in the historic Myers Fried Chicken Restaurant at 1900 SW 6th Ave., this 24/7 center offers maps, local art, and the documentary “Two for the Road.”
Dining on Route 66: Amarillo’s Culinary Scene
Amarillo’s Route 66 dining options range from historic diners to modern eateries, serving up Texas-sized portions and classic American fare. The Historic 6th Street District and nearby areas are packed with restaurants that capture the road’s nostalgic vibe.
Iconic Route 66 Restaurants
- The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Microbrewery: Now located off I-40, this Route 66 legend is famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, where diners who finish the meal in an hour eat free. The Western-themed restaurant features a gift shop, microbrewery, and adjacent motel styled like an Old West town.
- GoldenLight Cafe: Established in the 1940s at 2908 SW 6th Ave., this is Amarillo’s oldest restaurant, serving juicy burgers, chili-smothered Fritos (Flagstaff Pie), and homemade shakes in a retro setting.
- Blue Sky: A local favorite for gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries, and Texas comfort food, offering a casual dining experience with a nod to the open plains.
Buffet and Casual Dining
While there’s no dedicated Amarillo Route 66 buffet, The Big Texan’s hearty portions and all-you-can-eat sides come close to a buffet experience. For lighter fare, the Historic District offers over 10 locally owned eateries, including Yellow City Street Food for vegetarian and vegan options and Crush Wine Bar & Deli for upscale sandwiches and local wines.
Where to Stay: Amarillo Route 66 Motels and Hotels
Amarillo offers a variety of lodging options, from historic motels to modern hotels, with clusters in downtown, east along I-40, and west near Soncy Road. For an authentic Route 66 experience, consider staying at a historic motel in the 6th Street District.
Historic Route 66 Motels
- Ranch-O-Tel: Built in 1940 at 2501 Sixth Ave., this National Register-listed motel features a U-shaped layout with stucco walls, red tile roofs, and wagon-wheel handrails. Now an apartment complex, it remains a photogenic landmark.
- Big Texan Motel: Adjacent to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, this motel offers themed rooms with Western decor, including swinging saloon doors and cowboy-inspired furnishings.
Modern Accommodations
For modern comforts, consider Embassy Suites Downtown or Best Western Santa Fe, both near Route 66 attractions. RV travelers can park at Cadillac RV Park near Cadillac Ranch or Oasis RV Resort for upscale amenities like pools and hot tubs.
Road Trip Itineraries: Route 66 from Amarillo
Amarillo’s central location makes it a perfect hub for exploring Route 66. Below are two popular itineraries: Albuquerque to Amarillo and Oklahoma City to Amarillo, with key stops along the way.
Albuquerque to Amarillo Route 66 (Approx. 290 miles, 4.5 hours)
Depart from Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, a vibrant Route 66 corridor with neon signs and vintage motels. Highlights include:
- Tucumcari, NM: Known for its iconic Blue Swallow Motel and over 1,200 neon signs, plus the Route 66 Museum.
- Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, TX: The official midpoint of Route 66, serving “ugly pie” and photo ops with the midpoint sign.
- Vega, TX: A small town with a Route 66 museum and custom postcard printing at the visitor center.
Arrive in Amarillo to explore Cadillac Ranch, dine at GoldenLight Cafe, and stroll the Historic District.
Oklahoma City to Amarillo Route 66 (Approx. 260 miles, 4 hours)
Start in Oklahoma City, following Route 66 west through classic small towns. Key stops include:
- El Reno, OK: Famous for its onion-fried burgers and annual hamburger festival, with Route 66 murals and historic sites.
- Clinton, OK: Home to the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and a retro diner.
- McLean, TX: Visit the restored 1927 Phillips 66 gas station, the oldest in Texas, and the Devil’s Rope Museum for barbed wire history.
End in Amarillo with a steak at The Big Texan or a night cruise along 6th Street.
Additional Things to Do in Amarillo Route 66
Beyond the major attractions, Amarillo offers a variety of activities to round out your Route 66 experience.
Amarillo Route 66 Speedway
Located at 4101 TX-335 Loop, the Amarillo Route 66 Speedway is a dirt oval track hosting races from April to September. Events feature sprint cars, modifieds, and stock cars, offering an adrenaline-pumping evening for motorsport fans.
Slow Cruise on 6th Street
From April to October, join the Slow Cruise every Saturday night along the Historic 6th Street District. Classic cars parade through the district, accompanied by live music and dining at local restaurants, creating a festive, retro atmosphere.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Just 30 minutes south of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, and horseback riding. From June to August, the outdoor musical “Texas” performs in the canyon’s amphitheater, blending history and spectacle.
Planning Your Route 66 Adventure: Maps and Tips
To navigate Amarillo’s Route 66 attractions, pick up a free Amarillo Route 66 map at the Texas Route 66 Visitor Center (1900 SW 6th Ave.) or download one from Visit Amarillo. Key landmarks like Cadillac Ranch (I-40, Arnot Rd. exit) and the Historic District are clearly marked. For a fun challenge, join the Texas Route 66 Coin Passport program, collecting nine unique coins by visiting designated stops along the Texas route.
Travel Tips
- Weather: Amarillo’s semi-arid climate brings hot summers (up to 108°F) and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Timing: Visit during the Texas Route 66 Festival in June for maximum events, or summer for the Slow Cruise and “Texas” musical. Avoid peak heat in July and August if hiking Palo Duro Canyon.
- Getting Around: Amarillo is accessible via I-40, I-27, and U.S. Highway 87. Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport connects to Dallas, Denver, and other hubs. Rent a car for the full Route 66 experience.
- Budgeting: Many attractions, like Cadillac Ranch and the RV Museum, are free. Dining and lodging range from budget-friendly (GoldenLight Cafe, Best Western) to splurge-worthy (The Big Texan, Embassy Suites).
Conclusion: Amarillo’s Route 66 Legacy
Amarillo encapsulates the soul of Route 66, offering a perfect blend of history, adventure, and Texas hospitality. From the vibrant 6th Street Historic District to the iconic Cadillac Ranch, the city invites travelers to step back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Whether you’re dining at a retro diner, cruising with classic cars, or exploring nearby Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo delivers an authentic Route 66 experience. Plan your trip today, grab a map, and get your kicks on Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle!
